IO Ak's

[Spec ops Grunt]

I think I have decided that I want an AK, and a local gunshop has a new IO AK for $470something.

Are they any good, they had a WASR, but I didn't like how it rattled about, the IO was tight and almost the same price.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

Also, doesn't have a scope rail, and the price is $499, now I'm not so sure. What are my ak options for under $500? Still seems like the the WASR with Bayonet and all for $379 at Classic arms is the best deal.

And no, I don't want to convert a saiga.

Can a mod change the title to: "Help me decide on a AK for $500 or less"

 

[Carter]

The IO I had did have a scope rail, but the barrel was on crooked and shot horribly. It made decent groups, but after about 25 yards I couldn't hit the target. At 50 to 75 yards the bullet was hitting 15 left and 25 feet short. I could literally hold the rifle up towards the top of the berm and still hit the ground.

The only way I'll buy another AK is if its an Arsenal, Saiga, or Krebs.

 

[Mooseman]

My wasr-10 has treated me well. Never malfunctions, not sure its accuracy as there's a loose nut behind the buttstock.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

How easy is it to change out the stock. The LOP is awfully short on the original furniture.


Also, what AK's don't feel cheap like the WASR? Or was that just that one?

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

What do people mean by trigger slap, btw.

 

[Girodin]

I normal hate this type of comment but I don't have time to write something longer so I'll summarize IO =

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

That does seem to be the general consensus for this particular manufacturer.

 

[Mooseman]

stocks are easy and quick to change, IMO most ak's feel "cheap", a milled receiver may feel more substantial for you although I don't see much of an advantage from them.

 

[briansmithwins]

How easy is it to change out the stock. The LOP is awfully short on the original furniture.

Pull 2-3 screws and you can remove the buttstock. Longer LOP stocks are available if you really want one.

You might want to check these out: http://www.hendersondefense.com/store/pc/Century-Certified-AK47-with-bayonet-and-pouch-50p10.htm

You're paying extra to be sure you're not getting a canted FSB or floppy mag well.

BSW

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

That seems like the best deal I have seen.

Thank you!

 

[InkEd]

Spend the extra on an Arsenal and have an AK that's impressive. Check K-Var for good prices on them. If you're open to the AK-74, a Polish Tantal is pretty nice for not alot of money. I am of the mindset that if you're going to buy a gun then get a good one.

 

[briansmithwins]

Spend the extra on an Arsenal and have an AK that's impressive.

I kinda agree with that: I look on the WASR's as more of a AK starter kit. If you're ok refinishing the wood and have somebody local that does paint and parkerizing, you can get a very nice AK for not that much money.

The Arsenal rifles are nice and that's what I shoot. They get the details right like hardchromed gas blocks and paint over parkerizing from the factory. OTOH, you pay more.

BSW

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

I really don't make enough money for one of those nice Arsenal's. That WASR link you provided BSW, they have an option for Russian Red stock furniture. Does anyone know if that's any good?

 

[nalioth]

I really don't make enough money for one of those nice Arsenal's. That WASR link you provided BSW, they have an option for Russian Red stock furniture. Does anyone know if that's any good?

It's standard Romanian military furniture that's been stained red.

What would be "bad" about it?

You can't go wrong buying from Henderson.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

Better than re-staining myself it to get rid of the crappy Romanian finish at least.

 

[PT1911]

I opted for a Vepr II... It is the best made AK I have had the opportunity to handle.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

How much would it cost to mount a side rail on a rail-less AK?

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Also, doesn't have a scope rail, and the price is $499, now I'm not so sure. What are my ak options for under $500? Still seems like the the WASR with Bayonet and all for $379 at Classic arms is the best deal.

How much would it cost to mount a side rail on a rail-less AK?

Buy the WASR from century and use your $100.00 savings to buy an ultimak rail. Then save your pennies to buy an aimpoint or whatever other optic you want.

IMHO optics on a AK are a waste of time. If you mount something over the receiver you will probably have to take it off to clean it and loose your zero. Also, most AK's shoot 6 inch groups at 100 yds unless you are shooting off a bag from a bench. You can do the same with Irons. The only advantage of an optic is faster target acquisition with a reddot if you are playing killhouse/plate games, that most likely means an aimpoint on an ultimak.

Some people don't mind having a rifle optic combo that only works after they put it all together and send a box of ammo downrange to reacquire a zero, at which point they disassemble everything, clean the gun and put it away separately. IMHO this is completely useless.

 

[Birddog1911]

Here's a bold statement. I'd gladly buy a WASR before I went anywhere near an IO product. On top of the fact that they are junk in so many ways, I have a young troop who's mom actually works there. He's told me some stories, and he himself said he would never buy their stuff.

WASRs have a bit of a rep for being rough, and having canted sights. But, if you can see one before you buy it, a lot of that can be avoided. It'll also run all day long on the ammo you feed it.